If you had to change just one thing

[winston]

ps: It's ALWAYS the bass players fault... except, of course, when it's the drummers fault

I always thought it was the lead guitards fault?

Hey! I resemble that remark........ Besides I have all the Rickenbacker guitars that I need. for now

[britinvasion]

This is a recent example of great customer service through the forum that was squashed by a couple of responders. I was surprised that Ben even took the time to provide an answer, only to see suggestions and comparisons come from it.

I'll shut up now.

Dog - I was reading that thread today. Just want to say I thought your commentary there was right on the money and quite balanced.
Nicely done

[johnallg]

customers are the dealers; we're the end-users

I've heard that said a few times, and I just have an innocent (I swear!) question.
I understand that RIC sells to dealers who then sell to us, but isn't that statement a distinction without a difference?
... or at least without MUCH of a difference?

Kent, as I understand it, as far as the consumer is concerned (you and me), we deal first with the dealer on issues, then the factory if it is beyond what the dealer is capable of (finish, structural, etc.).

[nukebass]

I went straight to the factory with my issue and it was resolved really fast. Since RIC doesn't have authorized repair centers, I think the only option to keep something under warranty is to return it to the factory. I could be wrong, though.

I do agree that the dealer is the direct customer, but the consumer is the actual user. All warranties are given to the consumer, not the dealer, so I think saying the customer is the dealer, though technically true, isn't the whole picture.

[brammy]

the consumer is the actual user. All warranties are given to the consumer, not the dealer, so I think saying the customer is the dealer, though technically true, isn't the whole picture.

Well said... thats what I was getting at. If I were RIC I would definitely see us users as the real customers.... and I'm not saying they dont.... but the "bottom line" is that RIC's sales to dealers would stop on a dime if the general public moved on to some other brand of guitar.

[Wurlitzer]

I would be making boutique guitars instead of the run of the mill types.